How To Recover After Lumbar Fusion

Lumbar fusion surgery is a serious procedure. It is designed to stop injured spinal discs from moving. Although there are many approaches to lumbar fusion, tips for recovery are the same. Once you return home from the hospital, it is important to follow these steps for a successful recovery.

Instructions

1. Care for your incision and dressing. Keep the area clean, and change the dressing every other day. Typically, a surgical dressing is removed several days after a procedure.

2. Practice deep-breathing exercises. During the surgery, your lungs were under great stress. You might be sent home with a spirometer. A nurse can show you how to use it.

3. Take medication as directed, but only as needed. You will probably be given pain medication before leaving the hospital. If you think you are not getting adequate relief, call your doctor.

4. Follow a healthy diet. Healthy eating is key to recovering from surgery, including lumbar fusion. Eat whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. Hydration is important.

5. Don't drink alcohol or smoke. Drinking and smoking slow healing and could hamper your recovery.

6. Maintain good circulation in the legs. Follow any exercises that you were given when you were discharged. Take short walks and sit in chairs that have a solid back. However, do not sit for more than 20 minutes at a time.

7. Learn how to logroll. This is how you will get out of bed. Logrolling involves turning your hips and shoulders at the same time without twisting your lower back.

8. If your doctor prescribed a brace, wear it as instructed. This will help immobilize the part of your spine that is healing.

9. Follow any physical therapy guidelines you received. You should be given exercises to do as you recover. They will be easy at first and become more advanced as you heal.